Player Assessments: The Three Lions Triumph Secured by Kane's Double in International Qualifying Match

Throughout a dominant performance, England clinched a further win versus Albania, with a number of squad members producing standout displays during the match.

First-choice XI

Dean Henderson Not a save to make during the opening 45 until forced to intervene by Arbër Hoxha’s curling effort. His sliding challenge on Qazim Laci highlighted excellent reading of the game. 6/10

Jarell Quansah Challenged against the opposition's biggest threat in their forward. Operated through the middle early on then shifted wider once Saka came on. Seven

John Stones Advanced up the pitch with the ball at his feet, something he's known for before. Sometimes lacked urgency on the ball and the experiment abandoned after the break. 6/10

Dan Burn A constant threat from dead balls, as always, but may be another option for Stones in the backline as opposed to his partner. A careless pass after the break came close to an opener from Albania. 6/10

Nico O’Reilly Another confident performance by the youngster following his debut versus another side. A teammate was unable to take the opportunity from a clever flick behind the Albania defence. The left-back spot is firmly his already. Seven

The newcomer His maiden beginning in an England shirt. Somewhat careless when playing out however his inswinging set-pieces caused problems. An effective tempo-setter for the manager to call upon against teams who drop deep. Shown a yellow for a rash foul. 6

Declan Rice Crosses on corner kicks and free kicks created chances. Enjoyed room to move on the left but was offside as the pass came in shooting positions. Given a merited break after an hour. 6

Jude Bellingham Operated in an advanced position on the right and also did plenty of dirty work. Demonstrated moments of class but scuffed a shot high. Withdrawn towards the end by a teammate, his rival, after receiving a caution. 7

Jarrod Bowen Was presented with the team's top opening of the first half, his strike smartly stopped from the Albanian keeper. As a teammate holding position, he was forced to stretch the play out wide but his crosses into the box were hit and miss. Taken off late in the match. Six

Harry Kane The difference-maker netting 77th and 78th goals for his country. The first a classic close-range tap-in while the second a classy headed goal after peeling away from his marker. Aged 32, he’s only getting better and England are strong contenders next summer with him up top. 8

The attacker Had difficulty to get into the game out wide. Was presented with a decent opportunity following a pass by Bellingham but the keeper made the save. His replacement produced a bigger effect in his place. 5/10

Replacements

• Phil Foden (replacing a teammate 63) Was bright and combined well with Kane in a preferred position, Six
• Bukayo Saka (for Eze at the 63-minute mark) Failed to convert yet his delivery led to the breakthrough, 6
• Rashford (for Bowen with 15 left) Energetic when brought on assisting the captain's brace via an excellent ball into the area, 7
• Elliot Anderson (for the midfielder in the 75th minute) Seems settled already, Six
• Morgan Rogers (for the star 84) Not enough time to affect things, 6